Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings latest to upgrade internet at sea with Starlink

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is partnering with SpaceX to join the Starlink internet service, providing high-speed internet across the fleet.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is the third-largest cruise company in the world, operating the Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania cruise brands.

The company said in a release that it intends to roll out Starlink across all three cruise line in phases during the coming months, beginning with Norwegian Breakaway.

The technology, which uses a constellation of smaller satellites to create a network that beams the internet data from orbit, enables users to access broadband internet from anywhere within a range of regions.

After testing the service aboard Norwegian Breakaway, the company said it will introduce it across the entire fleet in phases to improve connectivity for both guests and crew while at sea.

Starlink will optimise the capacity, speed, and reliability of the internet aboard NCLH ships, the company said.

Once the technology passes its trials, the company expects to equip an additional seven ships, including Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur, Norwegian Viva, and Oceania Cruises’ Vista, with Starlink by the end of this year.

“We are elated to offer Starlink internet access to enhance internet connectivity aboard our ships. This move demonstrates our relentless pursuit of new and innovative ways to improve the experience for our guests and crew while sailing on our award-winning brands,” said Harry Sommer, incoming President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“It is incredibly important to us to ensure that this technology meets our high standards of excellence for our guests,” he added. “Once we deploy it across our fleet, the guests and crew will stay connected with friends and family, sharing their on-board experiences in real-time more efficiently.”

The company said it is now working on a detailed deployment plan and will inform guests once finalised.

Starlink broadband will not only enhance the crew and guest experience but also allow more flexibility for onboard services and improve ship-to-shore connections for operational needs.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is the latest of a number of cruise lines to join up to the service, Royal Caribbean was one of the first to sign-up, followed by Carnival Corporation a few months later.

A number of independent lines such as Windstar, SeaDream, and Hurtigruten have also announced an intention to join the service, which enables social media, video streaming, and online gaming at sea.